This is not good for the Chicago Sky.
Chicago Sky Facing Issue as Season-Ending Angel Reese Decision Nears originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Sky are currently amid their second-worst season in franchise history. With an 8-23 (.258) record, Chicago is on pace to finish with its lowest winning percentage since 2006, which was the Sky's inaugural season as a WNBA franchise.
This poor record has come despite another All-Star campaign from second-year forward Angel Reese. The former LSU standout has averaged 14.2 points and 12.6 rebounds in 23 games. However, a back injury has cost her Chicago's last five contests, and the latest injury update does not indicate any significant forward progress.
Prior to Saturday's loss against the Indiana Fever, Reese chose to stay back in Chicago for injury rehab rather than traveling with the team — an indication she may not be close to a return (h/t Chicago State of Mind Sports).
Calls Mount for Chicago Sky to Shut Angel Reese Down for 2025
While the Sky have continued to call Reese day-to-day with her injury, speculation has grown about the severity, with some calling for Chicago to shut her down for the season. These calls intensified on Saturday when Meghan L. Hall of USA TODAY suggested the Sky should sidelined Reese until 2026.
Hall said the Fever should do the same for Caitlin Clark, who has missed the last 10 games with a groin injury.
"People may not like this answer, but for the health of both, I’m in favor of shutting them down," she began. "Do not risk that. Work towards next season. I don’t want either one of them rushed back. Straight up. Seen way too many folks injured this season, including several big stars."
People may not like this answer, but for the health of both, I’m in favor of shutting them down.
— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) August 10, 2025
Do not risk that. Work towards next season.
I don’t want either one of them rushed back. Straight up. Seen way too many folks injured this season, including several big stars. https://t.co/AeAA8ZyRu6
With Chicago 7.5 games out of a spot in the WNBA Playoffs, it could make sense to prioritize Reese's longterm health in what is clearly a lost season. That said, teams often make these decisions when optimal draft positioning factors into the equation.
This is where the Sky face a significant issue. While shutting Reese down for 2025 could still make sense, Chicago does not stand to gain any draft benefit by sliding further down the standings.
ESPN Points Out Serious Problem for Chicago Sky
During Sunday afternoon's broadcast of the Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty game, ESPN's Ryan Ruocco pointed out that Chicago does not own its 2026 first round pick. The Sky traded that selection prior to the 2025 WNBA draft, netting the No. 11 overall pick from Minnesota — which was used to select Hailey Van Lith out of TCU.
Without controlling their first round pick in next year's draft, the Sky cannot effectively tank. Currently owning the league's second-worst record, Chicago could end up gifting Minnesota the first pick in the 2026 draft. That pick currently has a 25% chance of being No. 1 overall (via Tankathon).
“Minnesota… they own Chicago’s first round pick, which could end up being the first pick of the draft”
— Vanshay Murdock 🎥🎥 (@VanshayM) August 10, 2025
👀 pic.twitter.com/iSVnJbtxks
This is where the season-ending Reese decision becomes more complicated. With just 13 games remaining in the 2025 season, Chicago will have to soon decide how it wants to handle Reese's injury situation.
The Sky are just 1-6 without Reese this season (h/t StatMuse). If a top pick was on the line, shutting her down for the year would be enticing. But considering that pick is owed to Minnesota, Chicago may instead choose to reintegrate Reese once her back injury fully heals.
Related: Chicago Sky Make Request to WNBA as Angel Reese Suspension Nears
Related: WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie Had Two Words for Angel Reese on Monday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
